PNP orders dismissal proceedings vs cop in alleged applicant extortion

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered dismissal proceedings against a police official from the Police Regional Office – Bicol Region (PRO 5) tagged in an alleged extortion of a police force applicant.

“I am deeply infuriated that a high-ranking officer and medical professional would blatantly compromise the integrity of our recruitment system, and I have ordered an immediate investigation to determine if this extortion extends into a wider syndicate,” Nartatez said in a statement on Friday.

“We are fast-tracking both criminal and summary dismissal proceedings against the officer involved to guarantee he is stripped of his rank, denied his benefits, and permanently banned from the PNP,” he added.

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READ: Police major arrested over alleged extortion of PNP applicant in Albay

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PRO 5 initially said the implicated police officer demanded P38,000, but the PNP clarified that it was P50,000.

The implicated police officer was arrested inside the PRO 5 headquarters on Thursday.

Nartatez also said he ordered the agency to review the applications the implicated police officer had handled to identify other possible irregularities.

In its own statement on Friday, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) said the incident was a “grave betrayal of public trust.”

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“It is a direct attack on the integrity of the police service and on every Filipino who seeks to join its ranks through honest means,” Napolcom noted.

“The PNP badge is not for sale. No one should profit from the hopes and aspirations of aspiring police officers. Those who turn recruitment into a business corrupt the system, deny opportunities to deserving applicants, and erode public confidence in our institutions,” it added. /gsg

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